State Officer Meeting

Hey Maryland!
We spent the entire day in Baltimore working on the rest of this years activities! Its hard to believe it but there is only a few months until state convention, and let me tell you it is going to be a BLAST!! Who knew what all went into planning state convention. State convention is not the only thing we discussed, we also talked about chapter visits-make sure you get yours scheduled!- Spring judging was also another topic we talked about...its coming up soon too! March 31st at the University of Maryland, College Park.

We even had a new adventure today, for the first time the state officer found out what Mr. Koerner meant when he said "We are going to the market." Just a few blocks away from the office is a Lexington Market and its just that it is a market where they sell fresh produce, meat etc. We went there to grab a bite to eat and let me tell you that place was packed! You had to watch out where ever you went or you would have gotten run over.

All in all today has been a long, long day, but it is worth it because we want you the members to have the best experiences that we can bring you.
Hope to see you guys soon!!!

Richard Stonebraker
MD State Vice President

Visit to University of Maryland, College Park

Hey everyone!

I just had to write to you about the day I had. Do you remember us talking about how the University of Maryland has brought back their Ag Teacher program? Well today I spent the ENTIRE day down there learning about everything they have to offer; and let me tell you it is a lot! I had so much fun down there today, my very own personalized tour included the campus, the campus farm and personalized visits with the Dean, Associate Dean, and Scholarship Coordinator, and Assistant to the Dean all from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. I encourage all of you to think about UMD College Park when you are looking at colleges, there is so much down there for you, and the people...they couldn't be any nicer or more helpful! Why not take advantage of a great school here in our state?!?

For those of you attending Spring Judging and State Convention, you will be hearing A LOT more from them!

Hope everyone is doing well, make sure to schedule a visit for your chapter and don't forget National FFA Week is just around the corner!!

Take care

Richard Stonebraker

Its been a while!

Holy smokes! It has been a long time since we have updated this blog.
Since the last time a lot has happened as many of you know, Big E, Leadership Conferences, and National Convention! It is hard to believe it but 2009 is here and starting to take on full steam. Chapter visits have been under way but are starting to pick up now, so make sure you get a hold of us for a chapter visit. Also with the beginning of the new year that means something very special is coming up! NATIONAL FFA WEEK!!! February 21st-28th marks National FFA Week 2009. I encourage all of you to do something special for the week, whether it be wear a different FFA shirt for the week, have a contest between your Ag classes, and most importantly get out there and make your chapter known! National FFA Week is fast approaching so start planning for it now, if you need any help visit National FFA website (http://www.ffa.org/) for some ideas on how to plan a successful FFA week. Remember that you are representing the largest student organization, so be thoughtful in what you do!

Well y'all I have to run....let me know your plans for National FFA Week...I just may stop by!

Richard Stonebraker
MD FFA Vice President